Directors Note
Misha Kobiliansky
Director’s Note:
It all began for me during the Christmas holidays of 2024, when I finally took “Merry Wives of Windsor” off the bookshelf. I knew it was going to be BIV’s next summer show, and I never got to read it before, so I decided to educate myself a little ahead of time. One thing I knew about this play is that it had Falstaff in it. “Great”, - thought I, - “I’ve heard a lot about this Falstaff, he’s supposed to be one of the greatest characters ever written”. But while I was reading, doubt crept into me. The play itself was a fine comedy, but I knew I had the wrong Falstaff. It wasn’t the legendary character I kept hearing about all my life, this was some silly bloke everyone was making fun of!
It didn’t take too long to find the play with the right Falstaff…”Henry IV”? Oh, it’s a HISTORY play?! To be honest, I’ve never been into Shakespeare’s history plays. So many names, historical facts, nobles with titles…boring! Well, I guess I could make an exception…
And I opened “Henry IV, Part 1” and I was blown away.
The only other Shakespeare play that gripped me like this from the beginning was “Julius Caesar” (oh wait, that’s a history play as well?!). But honestly - this play is a masterpiece! What terrific, relatable characters! What a plot! What exquisite, crisp dialogue! Literally everything is perfect about this play.
Except the ending.
I couldn’t believe my eyes - the play just ended there? Where’s the closure? What happens to all those characters afterwards? Well, of course, then I realized it’s “Henry IV, Part 1”, so naturally I read “Henry IV, Part 2” and finally got my epic ending.
Something was bothering me still. This was a marvelous story, but it was spread across two full-length plays. Wouldn’t it be great if somehow it could be told in one show? Surely there was a way to condense it… Before too long, I found myself cutting the text of both plays and trying to come up with a playable single-show version. It was a fun literary experiment.
…
Four months later, I had it. There was a perfectly playable version of “Henry IV - Part 1 & Part 2”, which clocked just over 2 hours. My work was done. Time to move on!
Only I couldn’t move on - this was too good to let go of. I kept editing and polishing it for a few days, but then I realized what needed to be done. It had to be staged. And I also realized something else - I couldn’t let anyone else do it. I had to direct it myself.
I was pretty naive at that point and didn’t realize it had been done many times before. Some versions are only a little shorter than both plays put together, others are more similar to what I’ve done. Still, I think I like my version best.
Cast and Crew
Donal Thoms-Cappello - Sir John Falstaff
Donal is thrilled to be making his Bard in the Valley debut. Stage credits include AR Gurney's Broadway premiere of Big Bill (Jimmy) at Lincoln Center, Richard III (Catesby, Richard u/s) at Sacred Fools Theatre, Into the Woods (Prince) at Knightsbridge Theatre, Picnic (Hal) at Phoenix Theatre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius) at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare, and City of Angels (Stine) at PIT Collective. Film and TV credits include The Red Machine (2010), A Person Known To Me (2013) and roles on Virgin River (Netflix), Timeless (NBC), and Siren (Disney). He has trained at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, Judith Weston Studios in Los Angeles, and holds a BFA in Acting from Rutgers University, with an MFA in Creative Writing from U. of British Columbia
Jennifer Larsen - Earl of Warwick Bardolph & Tavern Hostess
Jennifer Larsen is delighted to return to the stage with Bard in the Valley in Henry IV, appearing as the Tavern Hostess, the Earl of Warwick, and Lord Bardolph. She recently appeared in Miracle on 34th Street with Gallery 7 Theatre, where she played Dr. Pierce and Judge Harper. Jennifer is grateful to be part of this talented cast and creative team.
Braidan Murphy - Earl of Westmoreland Morton & Traveler 2
Braidan is an Irish-Canadian actor currently based in Langley, BC. His career began in community theatre, primarily in Ontario before moving to Vancouver to pursue film where he has starred in a number of vertical dramas. This is Braidan’s first time performing Shakespeare, and is his first time on stage again since 2018.
Nate Neale - Ned Poins & Sir Richard Vernon
Nate Neale is a Caribbean-Canadian actor and writer. Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has been drawn together by storytellers. Even though we no longer crouch around fires to do so, Nate Neale was thrilled to join their ranks. With a background in theater and performing arts all through childhood and high school, he then pivoted to film & TV after graduation. Nate continues to act in films, write and recite poetry and spoken word, and write scripts and screenplays. He cannot wait to bring "Ned Poins" and "Sir Richard Vernon" to life.
Sierra Alexander - Lady Percy & Sir Walter Blunt
Sierra Alexander is an actress based in Vancouver, and is excited for her first BIV show, as well as her first show since graduating university! She is delighted to be playing both Lady Percy and Sir Walter Blunt, and is very eager to be back on the stage! She studied at the University of Victoria’s Phoenix Theatre, where she starred in shows such as The Killing Game (Phoenix), Uncle Vanya (Phoenix), and Archive of Our Unknown (SATCo).
Connor Runnings - Pistol & Travers
Connor Runnings is an actor, playwright and performer from Lasqueti Island, Canada. Having acted in plays since elementary school, Connor has always been drawn to the performing arts as a mode of self-expression. Notable milestones include Built Different at rEvolver festival in 2022 and his summer as a Parliamentary Player in 2024. He made his Shakespeare debut in BIV’s own The Merry Wives of Windsor in 2025 and is thrilled to be working with the company again.
Max Cowan - Stage Manager
Since 2021, Max Cowan has been Bard in the Valley’s go-to stage manager, bringing professionalism, organization, and calm under pressure to every production. Max’s steady leadership keeps our shows running smoothly from the first rehearsal to the final curtain, ensuring that both cast and crew can do their best work. Their dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care for the team make them an invaluable part of the Bard in the Valley family. We’re proud to have Max on our team and look forward to growing together as BIV continues to expand.
Brad Hendy - Producer
Happy to be on the leadership team of this show and organization. Each season we work hard to bring a unique venue and terrific show to our community. Thank you to all the actors, crew, volunteers and board members. Henry IV has brought out some top talent in both acting and crew.
Bryan Cutler - Production Manager / Set
Since joining Bard in the Valley in 2023, Bryan Cutler has been an essential part of bringing our productions to life. As Production Manager and Set Builder, Bryan combines creativity, craftsmanship, and technical expertise to turn design concepts into fully realized worlds on stage. His problem-solving skills and steady leadership help ensure each show runs smoothly from build to curtain call. Whether constructing intricate sets or coordinating the behind-the-scenes logistics, Bryan’s dedication and ingenuity are key to the magic our audiences see each season.
Emma Blu Pabuaya - Costume Designer
Emma Blu is a Vancouver interdisciplinary artist and costumer, recently graduated from Capilano University. She works in theatre and film, contributing acting, costumes, and puppet design for productions including The Wizard of Oz, The Lightning Thief, Twelfth Night, Carrie, and Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors in British Columbia this year.
Shawn McGrory - Props Master
Shawn has been with Bard in the Valley since the beginning. He has worked in all capacities for BIV. Board Director, Producer, Actor and Props - I'm sure he's done more too. Shawn continues to guide BIV on decision making and props. As we grow as an organization Shawn has given us a sounding board for advice.
Dylan Coulter - Fight Choreographer
Dylan works with BIV on many capacities. Foremost, Dylan is the Vice-President of Bard in the Valley. He has directed a number of productions with the latest bing The Merry Wives of Windsor and Winter's Tale. Dylan has been on stage for BIV more times than we can remember. Backstage has Dylan choreographs our fight scenes and helps with our transition team.
Emma Johnston - Concession supervisor
Emma Johnston keeps the Bard in the Valley audience refreshed and smiling as our dedicated concession manager. With her friendly energy and exceptional organizational skills, Emma ensures every show night runs smoothly—from stocking treats to serving guests with a welcoming smile. Her commitment to creating a positive experience for patrons adds a special touch to every performance. Bard in the Valley is grateful for Emma’s hard work and enthusiasm, both behind the counter and behind the scenes.
Amy Houweling - Social Media
Amy Houweling is a local artist and talented graphic designer . She graduated with distinction from BCIT's Graphic Design program. Amy joined BIV as the social media coordinator. She has a passion for nature, arts, and literature, and her favourite Shakespeare play is Hamlet. If you would like to contact her about her services, feel free to email hello@amyhouweling.art
Phay Moores - Intimacy Coach
Phay Moore is Bard in the Valley’s resident intimacy coach, supporting our artists in creating safe, respectful, and authentic performances. With a deep understanding of boundaries, consent, and storytelling, Phay helps performers navigate scenes of closeness and vulnerability with care and confidence. Their thoughtful approach fosters trust within the cast and ensures that emotional and physical storytelling is handled with professionalism and sensitivity. Bard in the Valley is grateful for Phay’s expertise in making our rehearsal spaces safe, creative, and empowering for all.
Kylie Knowlson - Photographer
Kylie Knowlson is a photographer based in the Fraser Valley. She’s been capturing moments with Bard in the Valley for several years and always enjoys the creativity and fun that come with making photos together.
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